Extracting steam from a turbine

ABSTRACT

A valve assembly for use to regulate a flow of steam in a flowpath of a turbine. The valve assembly can be configured with a body that circumscribes a rotor. The body is disposed upstream of the rotor blades. In one implementation, the body forms an annular ring with a plurality of arcuate segments, each being configured to move independently of the other segments in the ring to change the size of an annular gap between the arcuate segments and the rotor. The size of the annular gap corresponds with flow parameters for working fluid that flows across the rotor and that exits the turbine for use in pre-heaters and like collateral equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/977,713, filed atDec. 22, 2015, and entitled “EXTRACTING STEAM FROM A TURBINE,” whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/237,623, filed Oct. 6, 2015, and entitled “EXTRACTING STEAM FROM ATURBINE.” The content of these applications is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Engineers expend great efforts to improve performance and efficiency ofindustrial machines. These machines include turbines and complex systemsthat are configured to generate power (e.g., electrical power) frommoving fluid (e.g., liquids and gasses). Improvements may addressvarious areas including structure and control of the machine(s). Theseimprovements may increase operating efficiency and/or reduce capitalexpenses and operating costs for the machine.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of this disclosure relates generally to embodimentsof a valve for use to regulate steam in turbo-machinery and, generally,industrial equipment that act on a working fluid to distribute theworking fluid under pressure. The term “turbo-machinery” can embodyturbines and power generating equipment, as well as pumps, compressors,and blowers, wherein at least one difference between different types ofequipment may reside in the operating pressure of working fluid thatexits the machine.

Some embodiments can vary flow parameters of working fluid that flows ina turbine. The turbine can include a rotor and a stator, each withblades disposed in the flowpath to guide and regulate flow properties ofsteam. In one implementation, the embodiment can reside in the flowpathto regulate the flow of steam that impinges on the blades and, in turn,cause the steam to exit the turbine to an extraction unit. Examples ofthe extraction unit can divert the steam to operate boilers, heaters,and like equipment that is collateral to the turbine.

The improvements herein offer many capabilities and/or advantages. Forexample, turbines that incorporate the embodiments can forego externalvalves and collateral equipment necessary to regulate flow of extractedsteam. This feature simplifies construction and, effectively, reducescosts of the machine. Moreover, these turbines may enjoy smaller and/orreduced footprints, which can simplify shipping, handling, andinstallation at a facility.

The embodiments herein may incorporate elements and features, one ormore of the elements and features being interchangeable and/orcombinable in various combinations, examples of which may include:

In one embodiment, a turbine comprising a rotor with a rotor blade and avalve assembly disposed upstream of the rotor blade, the valve assemblycomprising a plurality of segments that form a ring, wherein theplurality of segments are configured to move radially inwardly andoutwardly to regulate flow of a working fluid across the blade.

In one embodiment, a segment for use in a valve assembly, the segmenthaving an arcuate body forming an arc with an arc length and angle thatis in a range of 60° to 180°.

In one embodiment, a ring member for use in a valve assembly, the ringmember comprises a plurality of segments, each having an arcuate bodyforming an arc with an arc length and angle that is in a range of 60° to180°.

In one embodiment, a valve assembly comprising a body member having aplurality of individual arcuate segments, a plurality of couplingmembers, one each disposed between adjacent ones of the individualarcuate segments, and an actuator coupled with the plurality ofindividual arcuate segments, wherein the body member is configured sothat actuation of the actuator causes the individual arcuate segments tomove to the same position.

In one embodiment, a coupling member for use in a valve assembly, thecoupling member forming a plate with a boss member extending along aside of the plate.

In one embodiment, a method for regulating flow of steam in a turbine,said method comprising varying an aperture downstream of a rotor bladeto direct flow of fluid to an extraction unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts, schematically, an elevation view of an exemplaryembodiment of a valve for use in a power-generating system;

FIG. 2 depicts, schematically, an elevation view of the cross-section ofthe power generating system of FIG. 1 in partially assembled form;

FIG. 3 depicts, schematically, the power generating system of FIG. 2 inpartially assembled form;

FIG. 4 depicts, schematically, the power generating system of FIG. 3 inpartially assembled form with the valve in a first configuration;

FIG. 5 depicts, schematically, the power generating system of FIG. 3inpartially assembled form with the valve in a second configuration;

FIG. 6 depicts, schematically, the power generating system of FIG. 3 inpartially assembled form with the valve in a third configuration;

FIG. 7 depicts an elevation view of an example of the body member foruse to construct the valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts an elevation view of the body member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 depicts an elevation view of the body member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 depicts a plan view of an example of the body member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 depicts an elevation view of the cross-section of the bodymember of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 depicts an elevation view of the cross-section of one end of thebody member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 depicts an elevation view of the cross-section of one end of thebody member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 depicts a plan view of an example of a coupling member for useas part of the body member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 15 depicts an elevation view of the side of the coupling member ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 depicts an elevation view of the side of the coupling member ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 17 depicts an elevation view of the front of the coupling member ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 18 depicts an elevation view of the back of the coupling member ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of the power-generating system ofFIG. 1 in partially-assembled form;

FIG. 20 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a methodfor modulating flow through a turbine; and

FIG. 21 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary process to manufacture anexample of the components for a valve.

Where applicable like reference characters designate identical orcorresponding components and units throughout the several views, whichare not to scale unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments disclosedherein may include elements that appear in one or more of the severalviews or in combinations of the several views. Moreover, methods areexemplary only and may be modified by, for example, reordering, adding,removing, and/or altering the individual stages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The discussion below describes embodiments of a valve for use toregulate flow of fluid in a turbine. The embodiments can deploy in theturbine, often having structure that circumscribes part of the rotor.This structure may define an aperture that receives the rotor. Actuationof the structure can change the size of the aperture to “open” and“close” the valve relative to the rotor. These changes can vary the flowof fluid across the rotor and in contact with the rotor blades and, inone example, a second flow of fluid that exits the turbine. The secondflow of fluid can be directed to other parts of the turbine orcollateral equipment, in general. In one implementation, the second flowof fluid can operate a boiler (also, “heater”) that provides feedwaterto a steam generator. This steam generator can generate the steam tooperate the turbine. Other embodiments and implementations are withinthe scope of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a valve100 that can facilitate extraction of steam from a turbine. The valve100 can be disposed in a power generating system 102 (also, “system102”). The system 102 can embody a turbine or like apparatus that may beconfigured to generate power (e.g., electrical power) from a flow ofworking fluid F. Examples of working fluid F include steam, often underhigh pressure, although the system 102 may use water and/or other fluidsand gasses.

The system 102 can have a casing 104 that forms the base structure forthe machine. The casing 104 may define a fluid pathway 106 with a firstend 108 (also, “inlet 108”) and a second end 110 (also, “outlet 110”).The fluid pathway 106 may be generally annular with an axis 112 thatextends longitudinally between the ends 108, 110. Inside of the casing104, the system 102 may include a rotor 114 that resides in the fluidpathway 106. The rotor 114 can have a rotor body 116 that extendsthrough the valve 100. The body 116 has an outer surface 118 having oneor more rotor blades 120 formed thereon. As also shown in FIG. 1, thesystem 102 can also include a stator blade assembly 124 interposedbetween the valve 100 and the rotor blades 120. The stator bladeassembly 124 can include a blade carrier 126, typically a plate or likestructure that circumscribes the rotor 114 and couples with the casing104. One or more stator blades 128 can populate the circumference ofthis plate.

The casing 104 may be configured to allow some of the fluid F to escapeor exit the system 102. In FIG. 1, this configuration employs one ormore openings (e.g., a first opening 130). The openings 130 can allowthe fluid pathway 106 to communicate (as second flow F₂) with a conduit132 (e.g., a pipe) that couples with the casing 104. The conduit 132 canalso couple with other parts of the system 102 or with collateralequipment, as desired. Often, this collateral equipment is part of aheating system that boils water to provide steam for the fluid F. Duringoperation, fluid F flows (as first flow F₁) through the fluid pathway106. The flow can bifurcate into the second flow F₂ and a third flow F₃,which can contact with the rotor blades 120 to induce rotation of therotor 114, as indicated by the arrow identified with the numeral 122.The stator blades 128 are useful to manage flow characteristics of thethird flow F₃.

The valve 100 may be used to regulate the flows F₂, F₃. In FIG. 1, thevalve 100 may define a flow area 134 that can change in size relative tothe rotor body 116. These changes regulate parameters for the flow ofworking fluid F across the rotor 114 (as the third flow F₃) and, also,the flow of working fluid F out of the openings 130 (as the second flowF₂). As noted above, the third flow F₃ causes rotation 122 of the rotor114 to generate power in the system 102. The second flow F₂ can enterthe conduit 132 for use in equipment that pre-heats water before thewater is boiled into steam for use as the working fluid F. Using thevalve 100 to regulate the parameters of the flows F₂, F₃ from inside thefluid pathway 106 eliminates many collateral devices (e.g., valves,conduits, etc.) that might be necessary to regulate extraction ofworking fluid from the system 102 as the second flow F₂. This featurecan reduce the footprint and/or operating envelope for the system 102.This smaller, more compact design may be easier to move and install atan installation site.

FIG. 2 illustrates an elevation view of the cross-section of the system102 taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1. Some parts of the system 102 includingthe rotor 114 and stator assembly 124 have been removed for clarity andto focus the discussion on an example of the valve 100. This exampleincludes a body member 136 with a form factor that is circular orannular, although this disclosure contemplates other shapes (e.g.,rectangular, square, oval, etc.) for use as the form factor as well. Inone example, the body member 136 forms a ring 138 with an innerperipheral edge 140 disposed circumferentially around a center 142. Theinner peripheral edge 140 can bound an aperture 144 that forms the flowarea 134. For circular and/or annular shapes like the ring 138, theaperture 144 can have a radius R as measured between the innerperipheral edge 140 and the center 142.

FIG. 3 illustrates the elevation view of FIG. 2 with the rotor 114 inposition in the fluid pathway 106 (FIG. 1). This position locates therotor 114 so that the inner peripheral edge 140 is spaced apart from theouter surface 118 of the rotor 114 by a distance D. This spacing formsan annular gap 146. The third flow F₃ flows through the annular gap 146to impinge on the rotor blades 120 and stator blades 128. Actuation ofthe body member 136 can vary the distance D to modify the annular gap146 and, in turn, regulate flow parameters of the second flow F₂ andalso the third flow F₃, discussed above. In one implementation, thevalue of the distance D may be approximately uniform circumferentiallyaround the center 142, taking into consideration design andmanufacturing tolerances of the ring 138, the valve 100, and thecomponents of the system 102 generally. In other implementations, thevalue for the distance D may not be uniform or may varycircumferentially around the center 142 because of the form factorand/or construction of the body member 136. The discussion belowdescribes one construction with multiple parts, or segments, that makeup the ring 138. Dimensions for the segments can result in variations ofthe distance D substantially consistent with the aperture 144 having aplurality of lobes or bulges.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 depict the elevation view of FIG. 3 with the valve 100in various configurations to modify the distance D of the annular gap146. These configurations are useful to illustrate operation of thisexample of the valve 100 to regulate flow of working fluid F. FIG. 4shows the body member 136 of the valve 100 in a first configuration(also, “open configuration”). The rotor blades 120 and the stator blades128 are fully visible in this configuration. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the bodymember 136 of the valve 100 in a second configuration (also,“intermediate configuration”) and a third configuration (also, “closedconfiguration”), respectively. The rotor blades 120 and the statorblades 128 are only partially visible in the second configurationbecause the valve 100 has reduced or constricted the size of the annulargap 146 slightly. In the third configuration, the blades 120, 128 arenot visible because the valve 100 has reduced or constricted the size ofthe annular gap 146 to, effectively, the diameter of the rotor 114. Theclosed configuration causes most, if not all, of the working fluid F toexit as the second flow F₂.

Values for each of the flow F2, F3 can vary in accordance with theconfiguration of the valve 100. At a high level, these values maysatisfy Equation (1) below:

F ₁ =F ₂ +F ₃,  Equation (1)

Table 1 below summarizes some exemplary values

Configuration Value for F₂ Value for F₃ 1^(st) or open (FIG. 4) 0 F₁2^(nd) or intermediate (FIG. 5) F₁-F₃ F₁-F₂ 3^(rd) or closed (FIG. 6) F₁0

Each configuration of the valve 100 may correspond with movement of atleast part of the body member 136. The parts may move radially inwardlyand outwardly relative to the center 142. This movement sets a positionfor the inner peripheral edge 140 (and/or other part of the ring 138)relative to the center 136. The position defines a value for the radiusR of the aperture 144 and, in turn, the value for the distance D of theannular gap 146. In the open configuration of FIG. 4, the distance Dassumes a first value. The intermediate configuration of FIG. 5 resultsin a second value for the distance D that is less than the first value.Likewise, the closed configuration of FIG. 6 results in a third valuefor the distance D that is less than both the first value and the secondvalue.

FIG. 7 depicts an elevation view of the front of an example of a bodymember 200 for use in or as part of the valve 100 (FIGS. 1 and 3). Thebody member 200 may form an assembly (also, “system”) that includes oneor more segments (e.g., a first segment 202, a second segment 204, and athird segment 206). The segments 202, 204, 206 can each comprise a thinmetal and/or composite plate. The thin plates can combine to form theannular (and/or circular) geometry of the ring 138 (FIG. 3). The bodymember 200 can also include one or more coupling members (e.g., a firstcoupling member 208, a second coupling member 210, and a third couplingmember 212), one each disposed between adjacent ends of the segments202, 204, 206. As also shown in FIG. 7, the body member 200 may includeone or more actuator members (e.g., a first actuator member 214, asecond actuator member 216, and a third actuator member 218). Theactuator members 214, 216, 218 can be configured with a yolk member 220that extends radially from the segments 202, 204, 206. The yolk member220 may be configured to direct a force F from a force-generating device222 to the segments 202, 204, 206. Examples of the force-generatingdevice 222 may include linear actuators, pneumatic cylinders, and leadscrews, among many others. In one implementation, the body member 200may also include a mechanism (e.g., a linkage) that can be interposedbetween the yolk member 220 and the force-generating device 222. Thismechanism can be configured to generate the force F in response tomovement, loading, and/or outputs, generally, that relate to operationof the force generating device 222. In other implementations, the forcegenerating device 222 may couple directly to the respective segments202, 204, 206.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the elevation view of the cross-section of thesystem 102 of FIG. 3 with the valve 100 is arranged in accordance withthe example of the body member 200 (FIG. 7). In FIG. 8, theconfiguration of the segments 202, 204, 206 corresponds with the valve100 in the open configuration and/or partially-open intermediateconfiguration. FIG. 9 shows the segments 202, 204, 206 configured sothat the valve 100 is in the closed configuration. As noted above,operation of the actuator members 214, 216, 218 can cause the segments202, 204, 206 to move radially inwardly and outwardly toward the center136. In one implementation, the segments 202, 204, 206 can move relativeto one another to form gaps 223 in the ring 132. The size of the gaps223 may vary in response to direction and magnitude of radial movement.

Comparing FIGS. 8 and 9, radial movement can change the configuration ofthe valve 100 as between the open/partially-open configuration (FIG. 8)and the closed configuration (FIG. 9). It may be preferred that thesegments 202, 204, 206 move synchronously or, at least, arrive at thesame position relative to the center 142 (FIG. 2) to maintain alignmentabout body member 200. This feature may require certain bearingarrangements and/or other alignment features to maintain consistentmovement of the segments 202, 204, 206 relative to one another and tothe center 142 (FIG. 2).

The coupling members 208, 210, 212 can be configured to provide ablocking surface that spans the gaps 223. This blocking surface canprevent fluid from flowing (as third flow F₃) through the valve 100 atadjacent ends of the segments 202, 204, 206. During and after actuationof the valve 100, the blocking surface may provide continuity of theforward (or upstream) facing surface on each of the adjacent segments202, 204, 206.

The valve 100 may also be equipped to interface with the outer surface118 of the rotor 114 to prevent fluid flow through the valve 100. In oneimplementation, the valve 100 can include a sealing mechanism thatcreates a seal between the inner peripheral edge 140 and the outersurface 118 of the rotor 114. This seal can cover any space between therotor 114 and the inner edge of the segments 202, 204, 206 in the closedconfiguration. Due to manufacturing limitations, this space may be in arange of 2 mm or less, and it may be desirable to minimize and/oreliminate any space for more suitable operations of the device. Examplesof the sealing mechanism can include back-spring seals, brush seals, andlike device that can help reduce and/or prevent flow of fluid. Withreference to FIG. 1, accuracy of the device may correspond withappropriate parameters for the flow of working fluid F, both across therotor 114 (as the third flow F₃) and exiting the fluid pathway 106 (asthe second flow F₂).

FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 illustrate various views for an example of thesegments 202, 204, 206. FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the top ofthe example. FIG. 11 illustrates an elevation view of the cross-sectionof the example of FIG. 10 taken at line 11-11. FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate an elevation view of the cross-section of the example of FIG.10 taken at line 12-12 and line 13-13, respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the example has an arcuate body 228that terminates at a pair of ends (e.g., a first end 230 and a secondend 232). The arcuate body 228 can form a flat plate (as shown in FIG.11), preferably made or comprised of metal and/or metal alloys. Theshape of flat plate can form an arc with an arc length L as measuredbetween the ends 230, 232. This arc can subtend an angle α. Values forthe arc length L and/or the angle α may be approximately the same acrossall of the segments 202, 204, 206 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 9). In otherexamples, the angle α may assume values in a range of from approximately60° to approximately 180°. In one implementation, the arc length Land/or angle α area may be individually configured so that the segments202, 204, 206 will form the ring 132 (FIG. 3) as noted herein.

The arcuate body 228 can have one or more coupling features (e.g., afirst coupling feature 234 and a second coupling feature 236). Thecoupling features 234, 236 configure the flat plate to receive (or host)the coupling members 208, 210, 212 (FIG. 8) proximate the ends 230, 232.At a high level, geometry from the coupling features 234, 236 allowsliding engagement of the coupling members 208, 210, 212 to preventsticking that can frustrate operation of the valve 100. This geometrycan vary, as desired. In FIG. 11, at the first end 230, the firstcoupling feature 234 forms a first recess 238 that penetrates into theflat plate. The first recess 238 can have a bottom 240 and a peripheralside wall 242 that terminates at the end 230. One or more openings 244may populate the first recess 238. As best shown in FIG. 13, theopenings 244 can penetrate through the flat plate in the first recess238. The openings 244 may correspond with openings and/or fasteners(e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) found in the coupling members 208, 210, 212.The openings 244 can include threads and/or be sized to receive thefastener, as desired.

Referring back to FIG. 11, at the second end 232, the second couplingfeature 236 may form a second recess 246 that penetrates into the flatplate. The second recess 246 has a first portion 248 and a secondportion 250. A peripheral sidewall 252 bounds each of the portions 248,250 and terminates at the end 232. As best shown in FIG. 14, the recess244 includes a step 254 that forms a pair of bottom surfaces (e.g., afirst bottom 256 and a second bottom 258) in the portions 248, 252,respectively. The bottoms 256, 258 are at different depths in the flatplate to accommodate geometry for the coupling members 208, 210, 212, asdiscussed more below.

FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 illustrate various views for an example ofthe coupling members 208, 210, 212. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the top ofthe example. FIGS. 15 and 16 depict elevation views of the sides of theexample. FIGS. 17 and 18 depict elevation view of the front and back ofthe example, respectively.

In FIG. 14, the example has a generally elongate, rectangular body 260with a front 262, a back 264, and sides (e.g., a first side 266 and asecond side 268). The body 260 can have one or more openings 270 thatare arranged to correspond with the openings 244 (FIG. 10) of thearcuate body 238 (FIG. 10) discussed above. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16,the body 260 can take the form of a flat plate. On the first side 266,the flat plate can include a boss member 272, which may be a separatepiece that secures to the flat plate. The boss member 272 may also beformed unilaterally or monolithically with the flat plate by machiningthese features from a block (or billet) of material. Suitable materialmay include metals and metal alloys, although other materials exhibitsuitable material properties for use in the rectangular body 260. Theboss member 272 can be sized to fit into the second portion 250 (FIG.10) of the second recess 246 (FIGS. 10 and 13). In one implementation,the boss member 272 can extend from the back 264 toward the front 266,or vice versa.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the system 102 of FIG. 3. Thevalve 100 has a construction similar to the example of the body member200 of FIG. 8. This example includes one or more bearing members (e.g.,bearing member 142). The bearing members 142 can interpose between thesegments 202, 204, 206 and a part of the system 102 and/or casing 104(FIG. 1), shown here as a blade carrier 144. The segments 202, 204, 206may include a groove or other feature to receive at least part of thebearing member 142. Generally, the bearing members 142 can embodydevices that reduce sliding friction that may frustrate movement ofsegments 202, 204, 204 relative to the blade carrier 144. These devicesmay include roller bearings, bearing slides, dovetail bearings, althoughany number of different kinds of bearings and bearing-like devices andmaterials might be applicable herein.

FIG. 20 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method 300 for modulatingflow across a rotor in a turbine. The method 300 can include, at stage302, locating a ring member about a rotor in a flow pathway of a turbineand, at stage 304, partitioning the ring member into segments. Themethod 300 can also include, at stage 306, coupling adjacent segments toprevent flow through the ring member and, at stage 308, coupling anactuator individually to the segments. The method 300 can furtherinclude, at stage 310, allowing the segments to change position relativeto one another and relative to the rotor to reduce an annular gapbetween the ring member and the rotor and, at stage 312, arranging thesegments so that each has a first position and a second position that iscloser to the rotor than the first position.

In light of the discussion above, and FIGS. 1-20 considered herein, thevalve 100 can be disposed around the periphery of the rotor 114 to avoidinterruption of rotation 122. In operation, steam F₁ flows through thefluid pathway 106 to impinge on the valve 100. With the valve 100 open,steam F₃ can impinge on the rotor blades 120, causing the rotor 114 toturn and the turbine 100 to generate electricity. Movement of theactuators 214, 216, 218, preferably simultaneously or in concert, canchange the position of segments 202, 204, 206 to set the size of theaperture 144 of the valve 100. The size of the aperture 144 can causesteam F₂ to exit the casing 104.

The valve 100 may require service and maintenance to attend to parts inthe system 102. Over time, these parts may experience wear and,possibly, damage that can frustrate operation of the valve 100. Atechnician may need to extract the valve 100, either in whole or inpieces, to remove existing parts in favor of one or more replacementparts. Examples of replacement parts may originate from an OEM oralternative aftermarket dealer and/or distributor. These examples may benewly constructed using any of the conventional manufacturing andmachining techniques (including additive manufacturing and/or “3-Dprinting”). For certain techniques, a model file that comprises one ormore instructions of executable code (on a storage medium anddownloadable and/or executable) may be used to define the features ofthe part. These instructions may cause a machine (e.g., a lathe, millingmachine, additive manufacturing machine, etc.) to perform certainfunctions to result in parts for use in the valve 100.

This disclosure also contemplates that one or more of the replacementparts of the valve 100 may be formed by existing parts. Certain partsmay lend themselves to refurbishing an like processes to prepare theexisting parts into condition and/or specification for use as thereplacement part in the valve 100. Exemplary processes may includebuffing, bead-blasting, welding, soldering, machining, and likepractices that are useful to build-up and/or remove material from thepart, as desired.

The replacement parts may be assembled into the valve 100 as awholly-constructed assembly. In other implementations, the replacementparts may embody individual parts (e.g., segments 202, 204, 206,actuators 214, 216, 218, coupling members 208, 210, 212), as well ascombinations and compilations thereof, possibly in the form of one ormore sub-assemblies.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary process 400 to manufacture an exampleof the components for the valve 100. The exemplary process may leverageadditive manufacturing techniques, alone or in combination with one ormore other types of subtractive manufacturing techniques. As shown inFIG. 21, the process 400 can include, at stage 402, configuring anadditive manufacturing machine with executable instructions that definea net shape. The net shape can embody the body of a component for thevalve 100 including, for example, the segments 202, 204, 206 and thecoupling members 208, 210, 212 described hereinabove. The process 400can also include, at stage 404, growing the net shape and, wherenecessary, at stage 406, performing one or more post-growth processes onthe net shape.

Implementations of the process 400 can render embodiments of thecomponents of the valve 100. These implementations may result in, forexample, a support member to support a frame in a compressor made by theprocess of configuring an additive manufacturing machine with executableinstructions that define a net shape, growing the net shape, andperforming one or more post-growth processes on the net shape. Suchimplementation that result in the components are also contemplatedwherein the one or more post-growth processes comprises heat treatingthe net shape, and/or comprises deburring the net shape, and/orcomprises machining the net shape, and/or comprises apply a surfacefinish to one or more surfaces of the net shape, and/or comprisesremoving material of the net shape using abrasives, and/or comprisesinspecting the net shape to accumulate dimensional data and comparingthe dimensional data to a default value.

As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular andproceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as notexcluding plural said elements or functions, unless such exclusion isexplicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of theclaimed invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existenceof additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devicesor systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scopeof the embodiments is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flow control assembly, comprising: a segmented,circular body; and coupling members that connect adjacent pieces of thesegmented, circular body together to form a ring with an open middle,the coupling members permitting relative movement between adjacentpieces to change dimensions of the open middle.
 2. The flow controlassembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling members and adjacent piecesform a unitary surface on one side of the segmented, circular body. 3.The flow control assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjacent pieces formequal segments of the ring.
 4. The flow control assembly of claim 1,wherein ends of the adjacent pieces are spaced apart from each other inone configuration of the ring.
 5. The flow control assembly of claim 1,wherein ends of the adjacent pieces are in contact with each other inone configuration of the ring.
 6. The flow control assembly of claim 1,wherein the adjacent pieces move independent from one another.
 7. Aturbine, comprising: a casing defining a fluid pathway; a rotor disposedin the fluid pathway, the rotor comprising blades; a segmented, circularbody upstream of the blades; and coupling members that connect adjacentpieces of the segmented body together to form a ring with an open middleallowing the rotor to penetrate through the ring, the coupling memberspermitting relative movement between the adjacent pieces to changedimensions of the open middle.
 8. The turbine of claim 7, wherein theadjacent pieces form equal segments of the ring.
 9. The turbine of claim7, wherein the adjacent pieces move independent from one another. 10.The turbine of claim 7, wherein the adjacent pieces move relative to oneanother to reduce the open middle.
 11. The turbine of claim 7, whereinthe adjacent pieces move relative to one another to increase the openmiddle.
 12. The turbine of claim 7, wherein the adjacent pieces moverelative to one another to cause the ring to engage the rotor.
 13. Theturbine of claim 7, further comprising: a seal mechanism secured to thering, wherein the adjacent pieces move relative to one another to causethe seal to engage the rotor.
 14. The turbine of claim 7, furthercomprising: force generating members that attach to each of the adjacentpieces.
 15. The turbine of claim 7, further comprising: actuators equalin number to the adjacent pieces; and a yolk member interposed betweeneach of the actuators and the adjacent pieces.
 16. The turbine of claim7, wherein the ring has gaps between ends of adjacent pieces at thatcorrespond with the ring at its greatest diameter.
 17. A method,comprising: in a turbine having a rotor with blades: creating a firstflow of steam to turn the turbine; directing the first flow of steamtoward the blades; and separating the first flow at a segmented,circular body upstream of the blades to form a second flow away from theblades and a third flow across the blades.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: moving individual pieces of the segmented, circularbody to increase or decrease the second flow.
 19. The method of claim17, further comprising: changing dimensions of the segmented, circularbody to increase or decrease the second flow.
 20. The method of claim17, further comprising: changing position of an inner peripheral edge ofthe segmented, circular body relative to the rotor to increase ordecrease the second flow.